Homeschooling as an alternate form of education has grown in popularity over the years. It is seen as an opportunity for more academic freedom and to customize a curriculum to an individual student’s needs.
But do colleges look at homeschooled students differently than traditional students? In this article we will look into the way college admission counselors perceive homeschoolers and whether they face discrimination during the process.
1. What is Homeschooling?
Homeschooling is an educational option where parents provide their children with academic instruction in lieu of sending them to traditional public or private schools. This can include instruction from certified teachers, tutors, or parents, and is available from preschool to even postsecondary education.
Homeschooling can be seen as a way to customize a student’s education to their individual needs, as well as giving parents more control over what kinds of ideologies their children are exposed to. Homeschooling is legal in most parts of the United States, although there are some state-specific regulations. The percentage of homeschooled students has grown steadily over the years, with an estimated
5% of students in the US being homeschooled in 2018, according to the National Center for Education Statistics.
2. Common Misconceptions About Homeschooling
Homeschooling is often misrepresented and there are many misconceptions about it. One of the most common is that it is more expensive than traditional schooling and thus only accessible to wealthier families.
This is not true in most cases and while the cost of any kind of education depends largely on the resources available, it is also possible to homeschool on a very tight budget. Another common misconception is that homeschooled students are socially isolated when in reality there are a multitude of opportunities for homeschoolers to socialize, such as through homeschool sports, clubs, and classes. Some people also think that homeschooling is an extreme measure, but for some families it can be a necessary choice due to cultural, religious, and educational or health reasons.
3. Do College Admissions Counselors Discriminate Against Homeschoolers?
Most college admissions counselors are well aware of the misconceptions about homeschooling and evaluate students based on their individual merits, not their educational background. That being said, there is a certain stigma attached to being homeschooled and some counselors view it skeptically, as if homeschoolers are missing out on some essential aspect of a traditional educational experience.
Homeschooled students are often perceived as being unable to handle the social or academic pressures of traditional institutions and there is also the underlying assumption that families choose to homeschool in order to inflate a student’s grades or otherwise “game” the system.
4. How to Combat Misconceptions
To combat the negative perceptions that some college admissions counselors may have of homeschoolers, it is important to demonstrate that you have been well prepared for college-level studies. This can be done by making sure that your transcript includes challenging coursework, a rigorous schedule, and standardized test scores. It is also important to highlight extracurricular activities and community service as these are useful in helping to show that you have been actively involved in your community.
The most important thing to remember is that a college admissions counselor is looking to evaluate your academic accomplishments and skills, so be sure to emphasize the positive aspects of your homeschool experience.
5. Homeschoolers and the College Admission Process
The college admission process for homeschoolers can vary depending on the school you are looking to attend. Some colleges and universities may require that you submit a portfolio of your work, while others may simply need a transcript or a statement from a parent or guardian attesting to your academic accomplishments.
It is important to do research and find out what is required by each college so that you can properly prepare for the application process. Additionally, many colleges and universities offer special programs for homeschooled students so look into those as well.
6. Should You Mention Being Homeschooled?
When it comes to the college admissions process, it is not necessary to mention that you are homeschooled except when applicable. If it is relevant to the conversation, such as a more unorthodox course selection or extracurricular activities, then feel free to bring it up.
However, emphasis should be placed on the individual accomplishments of the student, as this will make a much larger impact.
7. Are There Additional Resources for Homeschoolers?
Yes, there are a variety of resources for homeschoolers looking to pursue higher education. These include organizations such as the Home School Legal Defense Association, which provides legal counsel and support for homeschoolers and their families. In addition, many colleges and universities have dedicated home-schooler centers that are designed to provide guidance and advice for homeschoolers as they apply to college or universities.
8. Tips for Preparing for College as a Homeschooler
Preparing for college as a homeschooler can be a daunting task, but there are several steps that can be taken in order to maximize success. The most important step is to begin research early, as the process can take more time than it would for a traditionally schooled student.
Additionally, it is important to take the SAT and/or ACT in order to have a standard measure of your academic aptitude. Look into scholarship programs and financial aid options, as well as special programming and resources offered specifically for homeschoolers.
9. How to Advocate for Yourself as a Homeschooler
As a homeschooled student, it is important to be able to advocate for yourself and articulate why your approach to education has prepared you for college-level studies. Be sure to highlight and emphasize any accomplishments or successes from your homeschooling experience, as well as providing concrete examples to demonstrate your aptitude for college-level work.
Drawing attention to the unique aspects of your educational journey that make you an attractive candidate can go a long way in convincing college admissions counselors of your student-readiness.
10. What Should You Avoid When Applying?
While it is important to be able to promote yourself effectively, it is just as important to be mindful of what to avoid when applying to college as a homeschooler. Some potential admissions counselors may perceive homeschooling as a lack of preparedness or as a lack of social aptitude. As such, it is best to avoid making statements that could be interpreted as suggesting that you are averse to the traditional education environment or that you have any negative opinions of traditional schooling.
11. Will Colleges Continue to Recognize Homeschoolers?
As the popularity of homeschooling continues to rise, college admissions counselors are becoming more familiar with homeschoolers and their unique needs. Initially, some colleges may have had difficulty in assessing the academic preparedness of homeschoolers, but with access to more information about homeschooled students and their academic achievements, more and more colleges are embracing homeschoolers as a part of their student body.
12. Connecting with the Homeschool Community
Another way to combat any negative preconceptions of homeschooling is to connect with other homeschoolers and to create a support network. Homeschoolers are a unique group of students and having a network of fellow homeschoolers that you can use to share resources and advice can be beneficial in preparing for college.
There are also a variety of online resources for homeschoolers such as blogs and forums, and even social media groups specifically for college-bound homeschoolers.
13. Conclusion
In conclusion, it is important to remember that college admissions counselors view each student on their own merits and that homeschoolers are not at a disadvantage in the applications process. With dedicated preparation and an active outreach to the homeschool community, homeschoolers can successfully compete for admissions at the college or university of their dreams. College admissions counselors are beginning to recognize the value of homeschooled students, and with proper preparation, a homeschooler can make a lasting impression in the college admissions process.